LONDON — Arsenal center back William Saliba will avoid surgery on a back injury but is expected to spend an “extended period” out of action while completing a managed rehabilitation program.
The 25-year-old France international was injured at the World Cup. He left during the first half of France’s 2-0 World Cup semifinal loss to Spain and was replaced before the match was completed.
Arsenal confirmed the nature of the injury in a medical update Wednesday after Saliba underwent extensive assessments. Those examinations determined that an operation was not recommended.
“Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery program,” Arsenal said in its statement.
The club said Saliba’s rehabilitation would begin immediately. His recovery will be continually managed, but Arsenal did not provide a timetable beyond saying the defender is likely to remain unavailable for an extended period.
The absence leaves Mikel Arteta preparing for the start of Arsenal’s title defense without a firm return date for the center back. Saliba’s progress will depend on the managed recovery plan outlined by the club following its medical review.
Arsenal opens its campaign on Aug. 21 against newly promoted Coventry.